Doctors Nova Scotia reaches tentative agreements with government

Doctors Nova Scotia has reached tentative agreements with the Department of Health and Wellness on new four-year contracts for the province’s doctors. The contracts were presented to Nova Scotia’s physicians for ratification today.

“We have reached the best deals possible for Nova Scotia’s doctors – while also ensuring the best care for the people of Nova Scotia,” said Dr. Colin Audain, President of Doctors Nova Scotia. “These contracts, if ratified, will help stabilize some of the most critical services in our province.”

The tentative agreements were reached after five months at the negotiations table. On June 19, the association’s Board of Directors reviewed the details of the contracts and recommended they be presented to the province’s physicians for ratification.

Physicians were informed of the tentative agreements today, Monday, June 26. They will have the opportunity to vote between July 7 and 20. Doctors Nova Scotia will not discuss the contract details with the public until after ratification has concluded. A public announcement of those results is expected on July 20.

If ratified, these four-year contracts will replace the 2019 Master Agreement and C/AFP Master Agreement. The agreements impact more than 3,400 physicians.

The 2019 agreements expired on March 31, 2023.

Note to editors: Doctors Nova Scotia will not grant interviews on the tentative agreements until after the ratification vote on July 20.